Gilas Youth Crushes Thailand, Stays Unbeaten at 2-0

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Gilas Pilipinas Boys Under-16 surged to a dominant 2-0 start in the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup SEABA Qualifiers with an 87-42 demolition of Thailand on Sunday at the Bren Z. Guiao Sports Complex.

Behind suffocating defense and a 31-0 scoring run in the first quarter, the Filipinos nearly kept Thailand scoreless in the entire opening frame, allowing only a single free throw with 34 seconds remaining.

“We came out with intensity and discipline right from tip-off,” said head coach LA Tenorio, who is steering the youth program with a focus on defense and transition play.

Carl Gabriel De Los Reyes paced Gilas with 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block, while Prince Cariño added 15 points, seven boards, and one assist to help keep the Philippines perfect after two games.

The win followed their 113-62 rout of Vietnam just a day earlier, establishing Batang Gilas as the early tournament favorite.

Evaraigne Cruz came off the bench for 12 points and Andwele Cabañero chipped in 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists in a balanced effort that overwhelmed the Thai defense.

The Philippines forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 33 fastbreak points, while limiting Thailand to just 16 percent shooting from the field (12-of-76).

“We emphasized pressure defense and converting on the break, and the boys delivered,” Tenorio said.

Thailand’s only spark came in the second quarter, outscoring the hosts 19-16, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the 47-20 halftime deficit.

Ananda Jaeger led Thailand with eight points and eight rebounds, while Lorenzo Ravazzini added seven points and 12 boards.

No Thai player reached double figures, and their record slipped to 1-1 after a previous 56-47 win over Malaysia.

Gilas now turns its focus to Singapore as it seeks to maintain its unbeaten streak and secure a spot in the continental championship.

The top team from the SEABA Qualifiers will advance to the 2025 FIBA U16 Asia Cup, a gateway to the world stage.